For years, when discussing Ohio State players who thrived in Columbus, but probably would never make it longterm in the NFL, my dad would say something to the effect of, “Well, at least he knows he can have an insurance agency anywhere in Ohio, if he wants.”
His point is not that some shady insurance company would sneak the former Buckeye an agency, under the table, in exchange for a pair of gold pants, but instead, that the power of being a former Buckeye has benefits that extend far beyond the end of one’s playing career.
Part of preparing for life after football for a student-athlete at Ohio State is building a personal brand.